Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 1, 2026
Author Spotlight: Semi-Automated Isolation of the Stromal Vascular Fraction from Murine White Adipose Tissue Using a Tissue Dissociator
Published on: May 19, 2023
miR-137 controls proliferation and differentiation of human adipose tissue stromal cells
Keun Koo Shin1, Young Suk Kim, Jee Young Kim
1Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Pusan, Korea.
Background/Aims:
Demonstrating the molecular mechanisms of human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hADSCs) differentiation and proliferation could develop hADSCs-based cell therapy.
Methods:
The microRNA-137 (miR-137) and cell division control protein 42 homolog (CDC42) levels were regulated by oligonucleotides transfection. The adipogenic differentiation was induced for 10 days in an adipogenic medium and assessed by using an Oil Red O stain. The regulation of miR-137 on CDC42 expression was determined by western blot, real-time PCR and luciferase reporter assay.
Results:
We confirmed the roles of miR-137 on hADSCs proliferation and adipogenic differentiation. We showed that overexpression of miR-137 inhibited both hADSCs proliferation and adipogenic differentiation. Overexpression of miR-137 also downregulated protein and mRNA levels of CDC42, a predicted target of miR-137. In contrast, inhibition of miR-137 with 2'-O-methyl antisense RNA increased proliferation and adipogenic differentiation in hADSCs. Luciferase reporter activity in the miR-137 target site within the CDC42 3'UTR was lower in miR-137-transfected hADSCs than in control miRNA-transfected hADSCs. RNA interference-mediated downregulation of CDC42 in hADSCs inhibited their proliferation and adipogenic differentiation.
Conclusion:
Our results indicate that miR-137 regulates hADSCs adipogenic differentiation and proliferation by directly targeting CDC42. These findings improve our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms governing hADSCs differentiation and proliferation.
Insights
MicroRNA-137 (miR-137) inhibits human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cell (hADSC) proliferation and differentiation by targeting CDC42. This reveals key molecular mechanisms for hADSC-based cell therapy development.
Area of Science:
- Stem Cell Biology
- Molecular Mechanisms
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hADSCs) hold promise for cell therapy.
- Understanding the molecular regulation of hADSC differentiation and proliferation is crucial for therapeutic applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the role of microRNA-137 (miR-137) in regulating hADSC proliferation and adipogenic differentiation.
- To identify the molecular targets of miR-137 involved in these processes.
Main Methods:
- hADSCs were transfected with oligonucleotides to modulate miR-137 and CDC42 levels.
- Adipogenic differentiation was induced and assessed using Oil Red O staining.
- miR-137's regulatory effect on CDC42 was analyzed via western blot, real-time PCR, and luciferase reporter assays.
Main Results:
- Overexpression of miR-137 inhibited hADSC proliferation and adipogenic differentiation.
- miR-137 was found to directly target and downregulate CDC42 at both protein and mRNA levels.
- Inhibition of miR-137 enhanced proliferation and differentiation, while CDC42 downregulation mimicked miR-137's inhibitory effects.
Conclusions:
- miR-137 directly regulates hADSC proliferation and adipogenic differentiation through targeting CDC42.
- These findings provide critical insights into the molecular mechanisms governing hADSC behavior, advancing potential cell-based therapies.
